Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters.
As we gather today, our attention is drawn to some of the most pressing issues of our time: the conflicts that rend our communities asunder, the trials that challenge us in this world, and the call to religious freedom and inclusion that characterizes the Christ whom we follow. These are not abstract concepts; they have a very real presence in the lives of our brethren worldwide.
We find ourselves confronted by an example of the divisions that plague mankind, as seen in India, where a Muslim couple's home was sold under duress due to Hindu protests against their mere existence. This event has sparked widespread outrage and serves as a painful reminder of the peacemaking work to which we are called. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." May we answer this call with resolve and charity, knowing that our task is not to merely placate anger or defend ourselves against attack, but rather to reconcile hearts and minds.
But even as we strive towards peace, we cannot escape the tribulations that assail us on every side. The Apostle John wrote to his followers in times of great distress: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This assurance of ultimate triumph over adversity is our solace as we face the trials of our age. We are called to courageously persist in the face of hardship, to endure persecution without being embittered by it, and to stand firm in our convictions even when doing so appears futile.
As we stand for these causes, we must not forget that God's plan also demands that we love our neighbors as ourselves, even those whose beliefs or lifestyles differ from ours. The words of St. Paul to the Galatians ring true: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This unity in Christ means that we must strive to create a world where faiths can coexist without fear or animosity. We should mourn the plight of those who suffer prejudice and persecution in the name of religion, and work towards a society that truly values religious freedom and inclusion for all.
In these matters, the Church itself is not immune from the need for examination and reform. In our day, the scandal of sexual abuse has cast a dark shadow over much of our ecclesiastical hierarchy. The sins of the past have left deep emotional and spiritual wounds upon many lives. How can we possibly demand that others extend to us Christian charity when we ourselves have so grievously fallen short of Christ's teachings? Let us prayerfully confront this crisis with humility and a commitment to justice, knowing that Jesus' words in Matthew 18:21-22 instructs us, "Peter asked, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?'Jesus answered, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
The prospect of worldwide renewal is ours for the taking. But let us not delude ourselves into believing that such a transformation will occur through our own strength alone. Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33), and it is by His grace that we can confidently face the trials of today. If, however, we obstinately refuse to answer God's call to peacemaking, religious liberty, and reconciliation, there is a dire consequence to be faced.
The Holy Scriptures also warn us of the grave punishment that will descend upon those who reject God's sovereignty. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, we are told that God's wrath "will come upon [those] who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" Those who persistently resist the guidance of Christ will face a day of reckoning when all will be accounted for. It is this prospect that should fill us with holy terror, spurring us to rededicate ourselves to His cause.
So let us respond to these challenges today as children of God, committing ourselves to the path of peacemaking, justice, and inclusion in our own lives and within our ecclesiastical community. Through Jesus' grace, we can turn today's trials into stepping stones of hope for a better tomorrow. Let us prayerfully call upon the Lord to heal our divisions, fortify our resolve against persecution, and unite us evermore in His cause.
Amen.
What can we do?
In the face of protests and public outrage, we must all remain peacemakers. This isn't about agreeing or disagreeing with everyone else's views, but simply staying calm and listening to others' concerns. Be open-minded and willing to engage in dialogue, rather than resorting to anger or violence.
To help those facing persecution and injustice, we can stand in solidarity with them. Even if we cannot be directly involved in their cases, we can prayerfully support them and work towards creating a society that values justice for all.
In matters of religious freedom and inclusion, we must embrace our common humanity. This means not fearing or judging others based on their beliefs or backgrounds, but instead seeking to understand and celebrate our differences. Stand up against extremism and discrimination, and advocate for policies and laws that ensure everyone's dignity is protected.
These are small steps toward a better world, and they can be done daily in very practical ways: by being a friend to someone from another faith or culture, by speaking out against hate speech, by supporting causes that promote understanding and peace.
By making these choices, we become the change we want to see in the world. We become sons of God, peacemakers, and bearers of justice and love.
Go in peace. (end) 0
(above is not a sermon but practical text for contribution)
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